On this Christmas Eve night, Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and a happy celebration of the holiday you observe to all those loyal readers of these articles.

For whatever holiday you celebrate, I believe what they all have in common is the gift of giving of oneself to others. Isn’t that what we do as speakers?

Below are three gifts we, as speakers, give to our audience:

Perspective and Insight

Speakers often provide their unique perspectives and insights on a subject. This can help the audience see a topic differently and gain a deeper understanding.

Have you ever heard the expression, “Now I see it in a different light.” That is what you, as a speaker, give to your audience – a fresh outlook on a subject.

Quite often, your audience may have a misconception about your topic. You may change their perspective as you explain the details of your subject.

If they feel the same way you do about your subject, they will have your affirmation about their feelings.

One of the beautiful things about us humans is no one else in the world has met all the people you have met, has the same experiences you have had, and can express the thoughts on your subject as you do.

This is one of the reasons your audiences are attracted to your speaking. Your audiences yearn for a “fresh set of eyes” on a subject. You provide it to them.

So, as a speaker, you give your audience the gifts of perspective and insight.

You also give the gifts of inspiration and motivation.

Inspiration and Motivation

You may be a speaker who aims to inspire and motivate your audience. You may share personal stories, anecdotes, or examples to encourage your audience members to take action to overcome their challenges or pursue their goals.

It has been said that Winston Churchill mobilized the English language during World War II and sent it into battle. Winston Churchill’s steadfast optimism that the English people would eventually defeat the Nazi war machine gave courage to his countrymen and women. Of course, Winston Churchill’s prediction came true.

Telling your personal stories of overcoming obstacles inspires and motivates your audiences. It gives them the sense they are not alone and that others have dealt with or are dealing with difficulties in their lives.

Throughout your presentation, audience members are comparing their experience to your experience. Once they find a commonality, they are hooked to your message of hope, optimism, and “keep on keeping on.”

You may never know how you have inspired and motivated an audience member to take the action needed to overcome their life obstacles.

So, you, as a speaker, give the gifts of perspective and insight and inspiration and motivation to your audience.

As a speaker, you also give the gift of entertainment to your audience.

Entertainment

In 1956, Earl Nightingale became the first to sell a million copies of his audio album, The Strangest Secret. This proved his appeal to his audiences.

I discovered Earl Nightingale’s audio programs well after his passing. I still consider him one of my mentors.

Earl Nightingale said, “The only requirement for a speaker is to be interesting to their audience.” You could easily replace the word interesting with entertainment.

Dictionary.com defines “entertainment” as “something diverting or engaging such as a public performance.” You know, as a speaker, you should engage your audience. You are also certainly in public when you are presenting. It is not a stretch to say you give your audience a gift when you speak or entertain them.

Your entertainment for your audience could involve humor, storytelling, or engaging presentations that captivate the audience’s attention and make the experience entertaining.

Your audience is drawn to engaging presentation content and delivery. Don’t disappoint them.

So, you, as a speaker, give the gifts of perspective and insight and inspiration and motivation, and entertainment to your audience.

These gifts contribute to the overall impact of your message, creating a meaningful and memorable experience for your audience. While these “gifts” are not tangible, they represent the positive and lasting effects your well-delivered speech or presentation can have on those who receive it.

Don’t leave your gifts to your audience at home. Give them away!

Call to Action

• Don’t hold back when you speak to your audiences. They have come to hear your perspective and insight on your topic. Give it to them.

• Your audiences crave inspiration and motivation. Don’t disappoint them.

• Remember what Earl Nightingale once said about the only requirement of a speaker is to be interesting to their audience. Strive to be as interesting/entertaining as you can.

Frank DiBartolomeo is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and award-winning speaker, presentation and interview skills coach, and Professional Member of the National Speakers Association. He was awarded Toastmasters International’s highest individual award, Distinguished Toastmaster because of his outstanding work in public speaking and leadership.

Frank formed DiBartolomeo Consulting International (DCI), LLC (www.speakleadandsucceed.com) in 2007. The mission of DCI is to help technical professionals to inspire, motivate, and influence their colleagues and other technical professionals by improving their presentation skills, communication, and personal presence. Reach Frank at frank@speakleadandsucceed.com and (703) 509-4424.

Don’t miss Frank DiBartolomeo’s latest book!

“Speak Well and Prosper: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Better Presentations”

Available now at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com